European Parliament slams Commission on 2030 renewables target

“The European Parliament has again shown it is the most forward-thinking of the institutions. It has resisted lobbying from backward-looking organisations and voted on the basis of facts, namely that an ambitious renewables target can provide 570,000 more jobs, €500 billion in fossil fuel import savings, and lower energy costs for energy intensive industries”, said Stephane Bourgeois of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

“This enlightened result is a kick in the teeth for the European Commission and its bloodless 2030 proposal published last month”, he pointed out. “Heads of State must pay heed to the MEPs and agree an ambitious mandate including a renewables target of at least 30% binding at national level in March.”

MEPs adopted the report by 341 to 263 votes. The positive plenary vote follows the positive energy and industry, and environment committee votes in January

EWEA is the voice of the wind industry, actively promoting wind power in Europe and worldwide. It has over 600 members, which are active in over 50 countries, making EWEA the world's largest and most powerful wind energy network.